Find a daycare in Alexandria, VA

Find daycares in Alexandria, VA

Find daycares in Alexandria, VA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Alexandria, VA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Top 10 daycares in Alexandria, VA

Parents agree: these Alexandria daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Saint Gabriel Preschool/Daycare

Saint Gabriel Preschool/Daycare

New on TrustedCare
55+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Saint Gabriel Preschool/Daycare, founded in 1970 and based in Alexandria, Virginia, is dedicated to nurturing children aged 2 to 5 years. The dedicated Sisters and staff foster physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development while encouraging spiritual growth. Incorporating Catholic faith into the curriculum, they ensure children encounter Jesus Christ in their daily activities. The program also offers a bilingual learning environment, teaching colors, shapes, and numbers in both English and Spanish.
First Steps Early Learning Center

First Steps Early Learning Center

New on TrustedCare
21+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Welcome to First Steps Early Learning Center in Temple Hills, MD, where your child's journey begins with care and learning. Our dedicated team is committed to providing a nurturing and safe environment that fosters growth and development. As a premier daycare service, we focus on creating a foundation for lifelong learning through engaging activities and personalized attention. With a steadfast dedication to your child's well-being, First Steps Early Learning Center is your trusted partner in early childhood education. Join us and watch your child take their first steps towards a bright future.
Pinecrest School Early Childhood Education

Pinecrest School Early Childhood Education

New on TrustedCare
68+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Founded in 1957, Pinecrest School is a highly regarded nonsectarian, independent school serving Preschool - 6th grade in Annandale, Virginia. With a strong focus on small class sizes, Pinecrest prides itself on nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, underpinned by a positive social and emotional environment. In addition to its comprehensive academic program, Pinecrest provides a summer camp program, reinforcing its commitment to continue learning beyond the traditional school year.
Excel Preparatory Preschool Academy

Excel Preparatory Preschool Academy

New on TrustedCare
6+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Excel Preparatory Preschool Academy, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is dedicated to fostering an engaging, exciting, and educational atmosphere for young scholars. The academy provides a licensed preschool center, offering child care and an early education curriculum for up to 105 children. The institution is committed to creating learning environments that inspire joy and reward curiosity, always maintaining the integrity of each child's imagination.
Janell Anderson

Janell Anderson

New on TrustedCare
12+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Welcome to Janell Anderson Daycare, where personalized attention and nurturing care are at the heart of our services. Located in Bowie, MD, we provide a warm and caring environment for your child to learn and grow. With a dedicated focus on individual needs, we ensure each
BabyFe Bilingual Learning Center

BabyFe Bilingual Learning Center

New on TrustedCare
4+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
BabyFe Bilingual Learning Center, located in both Alexandria, Virginia, and Bowie, Maryland, provides immersive Spanish education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old. As a proud Black-owned and women-owned business, BabyFe Bilingual Learning Center ensures your child receives the benefits of bilingual education in their earliest years, preparing them for a multicultural world. Their distinctive programs cater to various age groups, offering daycare services and a bilingual preschool.
Ms. Madie's Family Childcare

Ms. Madie's Family Childcare

New on TrustedCare
25+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
At Ms. Madie's Family Childcare, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe environment where your child can explore, learn, and grow. Located in the heart of Capitol Heights, MD, our intimate daycare service is designed to provide personalized attention and care for each child. With a focus on fostering a love for learning and supporting developmental milestones, we ensure that your little ones feel at home while they engage in enriching activities. Trust us to be your partner in your child's early education journey.
Andrew Chapel UMC Preschool

Andrew Chapel UMC Preschool

New on TrustedCare
55+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Andrew Chapel UMC Preschool, located in Vienna, Virginia, is a Christian childcare facility that offers a nurturing environment for children and families. The preschool provides a well-rounded program focusing on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children engage in a variety of activities and learn essential skills such as listening, following directions, and language development. Andrew Chapel UMC Preschool also hosts special guests throughout the year, adding an exciting element to their curriculum.
Priscilla Collins/Runn & Shoot With Me

Priscilla Collins/Runn & Shoot With Me

New on TrustedCare
12+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Priscilla Collins/Runn & Shoot With Me, located in Washington, DC and surrounding areas, offers exceptional in-home childcare services. They are committed to serving the DMV metropolitan area, ensuring children receive quality care. The company provides financial support and even offers weekend care by appointment. Trust them to cater to your childcare needs with the utmost professionalism and dedication.
U.S. Kids Child Development Center

U.S. Kids Child Development Center

New on TrustedCare
6+ years in business
Serves Alexandria, VA
Welcome to U.S. Kids Child Development Center, where your child's growth and development take center stage. Located in Washington, DC, we provide exceptional childcare services designed to foster a nurturing and educational environment. Our dedicated team of 15 skilled professionals is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where children can explore, learn, and thrive. We focus on building strong social and educational foundations, ensuring that every child receives the attention and care they deserve. Join us at U.S. Kids, where we nurture tomorrow's leaders today.

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

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